January 4, 2011 > Special Life Event: Victoria S. Kolakowski Special Life Event: Victoria S. Kolakowski Submitted By Cynthia Laird Victoria S. Kolakowski, who was elected to the Alameda Superior Court on November 2, 2010, will be inducted as a Judge of the Superior Court on Tuesday, January 4, 2011. Her enrobement and administration of Oath of Office, a public ceremony, will take place at 5.30 p.m. in the auditorium at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 9th Street (Pacific Renaissance Plaza). Kolakowski, 49, made history this fall with her successful campaign as she became the first openly transgender trial court judge in the country. She has 20 years' experience as an attorney and most recently served as an administrative law judge at the California Public Utilities Commission. "While I ran a campaign focused almost exclusively upon my experience and qualifications, clearly I've received international attention because of the historic nature of my election," said Kolakowski. "I will do my best to serve honorably as a judge, and to be a role model and inspiration for transgender people, for the LGBT community and for anyone who feels ignored or disregarded because they are different." Justice J. Anthony Kline, presiding justice of the First Appellate District, Division 2, of the California Court of Appeal will swear in Kolakowski. Other speakers include Karen Clopton, chief administrative law judge for the CPUC; state Senator Ellen Corbett (D-San Leandro); Shannon Minter, legal director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights; and Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California.